Boris Johnson has been accused of breaking a promise on increasing apprenticeships.

The number of young people starting apprenticeships in east London boroughs has dropped for the second year running, according to figures released by Labour London Assembly Member for Waltham Forest Jennette Arnold.

Ms Arnold said the figures cast “major doubt” on the Mayor of London’s ability to fulfil his election pledge of delivering 250,000 apprenticeships by 2016.

The provisional figures show 38,550 apprenticeships were started in London in the 2013/14 academic year, down 6,520 on last year.

In Waltham Forest the numbers dropped from 1,710 in 2012 and 2013 to 1,570 in this year.

In June this year the London-wide Local Enterprise Partnership stated that the capital would need to increase the number of apprentices by 19 per cent each year if it is to hit the Mayor’s target.

Ms Arnold said: “It is deeply worrying that for the second year running the number of apprenticeships started across Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest has fallen, making it clearer than ever that Boris Johnson’s target is not going to be met.

“Good quality apprenticeships are vital to getting our young people the skills, training and expertise they need to succeed in the jobs market; particularly in a city as competitive as London.

“Boris Johnson’s inability to get more businesses signed up for apprenticeships is not only leaving London falling behind the rest of the country, but letting down the young Londoners who are desperately seeking these kind of opportunities.”

The Mayor’s office has been asked to comment.